AusBonsai

. I am asking help in direction of any improvement to this fig.My thoughts are, that I should shorten trunk, even though it has a nice taper. Your advice, any would be appreciated.

Yes I would cut it back to a new leader low down near the thicker trunk. Don't defoliate or cut the leaves in half while you are developing - it just slows down growth. You may want to think about a ground layer down the track to improve the nebari. Lots of water and chook poo too

Tony, do you think a new leader would be this one.

I think there is one below it ? If so I would choose that one. You can try doing some cuttings from the bits you cut off if you like too.

I like to see trees that have each section of trunk getting a little shorter each time and in tune with the taper.
I use that as my guide when deciding where to trunk chop.

If there is no suitable branch to cut back to, i will leave a little longer in the hope of one developing after the chop (assuming the tree will backbud). otherwise a graft might have to be done first then cut back to it.

Ken

Hawkeyes I too have the Long Island and Green Island figs I'm playing with.
I tend to let them grow out for the season then as Bougy Fan says, cut right back. Each time looking for a leader in a different direction.
I'm still waiting for inspiration on mine as well.


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